Meter puller with safety shield

ABSTRACT

A tool for installing and removing an electrical power meter comprising a sleeve member adapted for sliding movement about the meter and having a first end opposite a second end, a plurality of releasable gripping hooks mounted on the first end of the sleeve member for selectively engaging the meter, an attaching hook member extending outwardly from the first end of the sleeve member, and a shield secured to the second end of the sleeve member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/779,577, filed May 13, 2010; the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates generally to a tool for installing and removingelectrical power meters. More particularly, the invention relates to atool with a shield for removing electrical power meters. Specifically,the invention relates to a tool with a removable shield that can be usedto protect a user while installing and removing electrical power meters.

2. Background Information

Electrical power meters must be occasionally removed and installed onelectrical power distribution boxes or housings. The electrical meterscan be removed by hand but there is a great deal of danger due to thehigh current, risk of electrocution, and electrical arc explosion thatcreates arc thermal energy and a pressure wave and fragmentation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,581 is directed to an electrical power meterinstalling/removing apparatus that fits around the perimeter of themeter base and locks in place with snapping tabs. The operator thenpulls back on the tool and removes the meter from the distribution box.While the apparatus includes a handle proximate the back end of thetool, the tool does not protect the user from electrocution or explosionwhich may occur at the connection between the power meter and thedistribution box when the meter is removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a tool for installing andremoving an electrical power meter comprising a sleeve member adaptedfor sliding movement about the meter and having a first end opposite asecond end, a plurality of releasable gripping hooks mounted on thefirst end of the sleeve member for selectively engaging the meter, anattaching hook member extending outwardly from the first end of thesleeve member, and a shield secured to the second end of the sleevemember.

The present invention also broadly comprises a method of removing anelectrical power meter comprising the steps of providing a sleeve memberhaving a first end with a plurality of releasable gripping hooks and anactuating hook member extending outwardly from the first end of thesleeve member and a second end with a handle, mounting a shield with ahandle on the sleeve member second end, sliding the sleeve member ontothe power meter until the attaching hook members surround a power metergripping collar, grasping the second end handle and the shield handle,and pulling the sleeve member handle and the shield member in adirection away from the power meter.

The present invention also broadly comprises a method of removing anelectrical power meter comprising the steps of securing a shield to ameter puller, wherein a first side of the shield abuts the back end, andoperating a clamping system of the meter puller from the safety of asecond side of the shield.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best modein which Applicants have contemplated applying the principles of theinvention, are set forth in the following description and are shown inthe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleeve member of a first embodiment ofthe invention with releasable gripping hooks and attaching hooks;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sleeve member with a safety shieldhaving a handle secured thereon;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the sleeve member shown with anintermediate member and connecting fasteners;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the safety shield and handles;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the safety shield secured to the sleevemember;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sleeve member and safetyshield taken generally about Line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sleeve member takengenerally about Line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an operational view showing an operator gripping the handlesand forcing the sleeve member and safety shield in the direction of apower meter;

FIG. 8 is an operational view showing the installer forcing the sleevemember on to the power meter;

FIG. 9 is an operational view of the operator removing the power meterwith the sleeve member and an electrical explosion being deflectedaround the safety shield;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sleeve member of a second embodimentof the invention with a clamping system for actuating a pair of lips togrip and release the meter;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the sleeve member shown with a template;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sleeve member having a drillextending therein and an actuation device attached thereto;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an enhanced meter puller of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view of the enhanced meter puller of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the enhanced meter puller;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the enhanced meter pullertaken generally about Line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an operational view showing an operator gripping the handlesof the enhanced meter puller and manually moving the enhanced meterpuller towards a meter;

FIG. 19 is an operational view showing an operator actuating a clampingsystem of the meter puller from behind the shield; and

FIG. 20 is an operational view of the operator removing the meter usingthe enhanced meter puller and an electrical explosion being deflectedaround the shield.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar,structural elements of the invention. While the present invention isdescribed with respect to what is presently considered to be thepreferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention asclaimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devicesor materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be usedin the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods,devices, and materials are now described.

The tool of the present invention is indicated generally at 10, and isparticularly shown in FIGS. 1 through 9. As particularly shown in FIG.1, a sleeve member 12 includes a first end 14 opposing a second end 16.First end 14 includes an opening 18, while top end 16 is enclosed by atop surface 20. Further, top surface 20 is recessed within a lip portion22 of sleeve member 12 which defines a cavity 23.

A handle 24 is connected to second end 16 through fasteners 26 and holes28 (not shown in FIG. 1). Handle 24 generally consists of a pair ofposts 30 having holes 32 on tabs 33 for receiving fasteners 26 and acentral rod 34 disposed between inner surfaces 36 of post 30 andconnected to the post with fasteners 38. Accordingly, handle 24 isremovable by unscrewing fasteners 26.

Sleeve member 12 is preferably cylindrical in shape and formed of arigid material such as plastic. In a preferred embodiment, fourattachment hooks 40 are mounted on an outer surface 42 of sleeve member12 with a pair of rivets 44. Attachment hooks 40 are preferably thinstrips of metal which extend for approximately half of a length of thesleeve member and terminate proximate first end 14. Further, the widthof the attachment hooks is preferably just smaller than guide opening 46and first end 14.

A gripping hook 48 is secured to a terminal end 50 of attachment hook 40with a pair of rivets 52 which may extend into guide opening 46.Gripping hooks 48 preferably include a flat portion 54 near the rivetsand an angled portion 56 extending upward from the rivets to provide alever arm for hook portion 58. Hook portion 58 is connected to flatportion 54 through lower angled portion 60. Hook portion 58 ispreferably generally perpendicular to lower angled portion 60 so as togrip on to the power meter base. Further, angled portion 56 permits thehook portion 58 to be directed radially outward by compressing theangled portion 56 towards sleeve member outer surface 42.

Referring now to FIG. 2, sleeve member 12 is shown with a shield 62connected to sleeve member 12. Further, an intermediate member 64 islocated between shield 62 and sleeve member second end 16. Shield 62includes an outer surface 66 and a central opening 68. Central opening68 is preferably sized and shaped complimentary to handle 24 so that theshield can be installed vertically around handle 24 when the handle issecured to sleeve member second end 16. Further, shield 62 also includesa handle 70 arranged generally perpendicular to second end handle 24 toprovide a comfortable orientation for the operator. Shield 62 rests atopintermediate member 64 and is secured to the intermediate member and thesleeve member with threaded studs 72 and fasteners 74. Finally, shield62 is preferably sized to protect an operator and may range anywherefrom the diameter of sleeve member second end 16 to well over 24 inches.However, in a preferred embodiment the shield diameter is approximately18 inches to 24 inches and is particularly 24 inches in the preferredembodiment. Shield 62 is preferably composed of a clear rigid plasticmaterial that is capable of withstanding electrocution and a significantimpact. Shield 62 may also be composed of a flame retardant transparentpolycarbonate shield or may include a plurality of shields stacked oneatop of the other.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exploded view of the first preferredembodiment tool 10. As can be particularly seen in FIG. 3A, intermediatemember 64 is preferably cylindrical in shape and includes a plurality ofholes 76 for receiving fasteners 26. A plurality of holes 78 permitthreaded studs 72 to extend there through and secure shield 62 to sleevemember second end 16. Further, FIG. 3A illustrates a plurality ofapertures 80 within second end 16 for receiving fasteners 26 of thehandle as shown in FIG. 3B. Further, nuts 82 secure handle 24 andfasteners 26 to the intermediate member 64 and sleeve member 12.Intermediate member 64 is preferably cylindrical in shape and sized tofit within lip portion 22 of second end 16. Further, intermediate member64 preferably has a thickness greater than the height of lip portion 22to extend the shield contact surface above lip portion 22. Specifically,a bottom surface 84 of shield 62 contacts a top surface 86 ofintermediate member above lip portion 22, while a bottom surface 87 ofthe intermediate member contacts top surface 20.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3B, safety shield 62 is shown with a pairof apertures 88 for receiving threaded studs 72 of second end 16. Shield62 also includes a pair of apertures 90 for receiving fasteners 92 toconnect handle 70 to shield 62. Further, central opening 68 is againshown complimentary shaped to handle 24 and includes a pair ofrectangular openings 94 at each end and a slot 96 for permitting passageof handle central rod 34 during installation, while rectangular openings94 permit passage of posts 30 during installation. Accordingly, a bottomsurface 98 of post 30 rests flush with bottom surface 84 of shield 62when fully installed, while a bottom surface 100 of handle 70 rests on atop surface 102 of the shield after installation. Therefore, handle 70is preferably shorter than handle 24 to ensure that the handles arealigned at the same height. In a preferred embodiment, handle 70 isshorter than handle 24 by the same thickness as shield 62.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate the arrangement of the tool and shieldcomponents. As seen in FIG. 4, diameter D of shield 62 is preferablylarger than diameter E of sleeve member 12. Further, the orientation ofhandle 24 with respect to handle 70 is seen in greater detail to allowthe operator to more naturally use the meter puller and shield. Stillfurther, this view illustrates the larger range of protection for theoperator.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing second end 16 withstuds 72 integral to the second end and intermediate member 64surrounding the studs. FIG. 5 also illustrates opening 18 extendingupward from first end 14 all the way to second end 16. Still further,this view illustrates lip portion 22 extending partially up thethickness of intermediate member 64 and intermediate member 64 extendingfar above lip portion 22. While studs 72 are shown integral to thesecond end, the stud could be removably secured to the second end withnuts.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of first end 14 illustratinggripping hook 48 secured to outer surface 42 of sleeve member 12 withrivets 44. In addition, an absorbing mount 104 is located proximate aninner surface 106 of sleeve member 12. Absorbing mount 104 preferablyincludes a pair of apertures 108 arranged to receive rivets 44 andparticularly mount attachment hook 40 to sleeve member 12. Absorbingmount 104 is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic but may also beconstructed of a more flexible material and is useful to reduce thebending moment that is created by operating angle portion 56.

Having described the structure of the preferred embodiment, a preferredmethod of operation will be described in detail and should be read inlight of FIGS. 1 through 9 and particularly FIGS. 7 through 9.

FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate the operation of the meter puller aftershield 62 has been secured on intermediate member 64 and second end 16as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5. Referring now to FIG. 7, an operator110 grasps tool 10 at handles 24 and 70 and forces the tool in adirection associated with arrow 111 towards electrical power meter 126having a base 127. As seen in FIG. 8, the operator forces the tool in adirection associated with arrow 111 until hook portion 58 surrounds andcontacts a back surface 128 of meter base 127 and engages the tool withthe meter for removal.

FIG. 9 illustrates removal of the electrical meter by pulling tool 10 indirection associated with arrow 122 away from a distribution box 123 andparticularly meter mount 125. Should an electrical explosion orelectrocution occur during the removal of meter 126, a blast 140 will besent towards the operator and deflected by shield 62 or, due to the sizeof the shield, pass radially outward of the shield and thereby missingthe operator. Advantageously, this shield arrangement provides a greatercone of protection for the operator to reduce the risk and damage that ablast may cause during electrical power meter removal and installation.Still further, the shield provides greater dexterity for the user inthat there are two handles to guide the tool on to the power meter aswell as during the removal and installation process.

Alternatively, the operator may use a strap wrench or other suitabletool to compress angled portions 56 on each gripping hook 48.Advantageously, using a strap wrench allows the operator to compress thegripping hooks and surround the power meter while reducing theoperator's risk of being electrocuted.

Thus, tool 10 provides an apparatus for protecting a user as well asadditional assistance during the installation and removal of electricalpower meters. Further, the tool is easily transportable as shield 62 maybe easily removed to allow for storage. The shield provides a cone ofprotection with greater heat attenuation for the user with increasingthe user's control over the meter puller by using two hands.

It will be evident to one of skilled in the art that a variety ofchanges can be made that are within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For instance, the sleeve member and shield may be composed ofthe same or different materials and can be manufactured of a variety ofcolors, including translucent colors. Further, the size of the shieldand the length of the sleeve member may be adjusted to accommodatespecific users or specific power meters.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, an enhanced meterpuller 101 is shown in FIGS. 10-21, and described hereinafter.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, enhanced meter puller 101 includes a meterpuller 103, which may be embodied by any common off-the-shelf meterpuller. Shown particularly in FIG. 10, meter puller 103 includes asleeve member 112 which extends from a first end 114 to a second end116. First end 114 defines an opening 118, while a top surface 120 isdisposed at second end 116. A pair of posts 130 extend outwardly awayfrom top surface 120 and receive a central rod 134 therebetween to forma handle 124. Sleeve member 112 is comprised of a first sleeve portion113 coupled with a second sleeve portion 115, wherein first sleeveportion 113 and second sleeve portion 115 are movable with respect toeach other.

As shown in FIG. 10, meter puller 103 includes a locking mechanism or aclamping system, shown generally at 135. Clamping system 135 is intendedto move first sleeve portion 113 and second sleeve portion 115 togetherand apart to clamp onto a meter for extraction. Clamping system 135includes a cam arm 137 extending from a first end 145 to a second end147. First end 145 is pivotably connected to second sleeve portion 115by way of a pivot bolt 139, whereas second end 147 (FIG. 16) ispivotably connected to a distal portion of second sleeve portion 115 byway of a pivot bolt 141 (FIG. 16). Thus, cam arm 137 wraps entirelyaround first sleeve portion 113, and is pivotable from a first position(FIG. 10) to a second position (FIG. 18). A user generally actuates camarm 137 by way of a knob 143 removably secured to cam arm 137 via athreaded member 144 (FIG. 11) extending into an aperture 146 (FIG. 11)defined by cam arm 137. Threaded member 144 is secured therein by way ofa nut 148.

As shown in FIG. 10, clamping system 135 further includes a pair of camtracks 149 defined by first sleeve portion 113. A corresponding pair ofcam bolts 151 extend from cam arm 137 into cam tracks 149 to cammablyconnect first end 114 of sleeve member 112 to cam arm 137. It willreadily be understood that by moving cam arm 137 from the first positionto the second position, cam bolts 151 follow the orientation of camtracks 149 in a camming manner to move first sleeve portion 113 inrelation to second sleeve portion 115. This reduces the overall size ofopening 118 when cam arm 137 is in the first position, and enlargesopening 118 when cam arm 137 is in the second position. Extending fromeach of first sleeve portion 113 and second sleeve portion 115 are apair of corresponding lock lips 153, which generally surround opening118. Those in the art will readily understand that cam arm 137 is movedfrom the second position to the first position to clamp lock lips 153around a meter for extraction. Those in the art will readily understandthat cam arm 137 is moved from the second position to the first positionto clamp lock lips 153 around a meter for extraction. Pursuant to this,once lock lips 153 are clamped on a meter, the user then physicallypulls meter puller 103 by way of handle 124 to remove the meter from themeter box.

Enhanced meter puller 101, the individual components, and the overallmethod for assembling the same will now be discussed. One of the primaryfeatures of enhanced meter puller 101 relates to applying a shield 162to meter puller 103 for protecting the user. Pursuant to this, enhancedmeter puller 101 provides a method for actuating clamping system 135safely behind shield 162. Broadly speaking, shield 162 includes a firstside 168 and an opposite second side 170. As shown in FIG. 14, firstside 168 is sized and positioned to abut top surface 120 of sleevemember 112. A plurality of bolts 181 are provided and sized to fitthrough a corresponding plurality of bolt apertures 183 defined byshield 162 such that bolts 181 extend through the corresponding boltapertures 183 and into sleeve member 112 to secure shield 162 thereto.As such, sleeve member 112 proximate second end 116 must provide acorresponding receiving hole 185 for receiving bolt 181 therein.Inasmuch as meter puller 103 may be provided as an off-the-shelfcomponent, receiving holes 185 may not be provided at the outset. Thus,a template 165 is provided for ensuring receiving holes 185 align withbolt apertures 183.

Template 165 is provided with a plurality of drill apertures 187 as wellas a handle aperture 189. As such, the user may extend template 165 ontosecond end 116 of sleeve member 112 such that template 165 abuts topsurface 120. It will be readily understood that handle aperture 189 issized and shaped to receive handle 124 therethrough for allowingtemplate 165 to extend down into an abutting relationship with topsurface 120. As shown in FIG. 12, the user then extends a drill throughdrill apertures 187 and into sleeve member 112 such that receiving holes185 are formed thereby, and in correct alignment with bolt apertures183. Thereafter, template 165 is removed and shield 162 is lowered ontotop surface 120 such that bolt apertures 183 align with receiving holes185, which allows the user to extend bolts 181 through both boltapertures 183 and receiving holes 185. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, afree end 192 of each bolt 181 is thereby positioned within sleeve member112 proximate second end 116. Thereafter, the user then applies a washer191 and a wing nut 193 onto free end 192 to secure bolts 181 and lockshield 162 onto meter puller 103. As shown in FIG. 15, shield 162further includes a handle aperture 195 which is particularly sized andshaped to align handle 124 to pass therethrough, thus allowing shield162 to tightly abut top surface 120. One will readily understand thathandle aperture 195, handle aperture 189, and other related componentsof enhanced meter puller 101 may be sized and shaped differently toaccommodate different meter pullers 103 in general, and in particular,different second ends 116 of sleeve member 112.

As shown in FIG. 15, enhanced meter puller 101 further includes a bracehandle 179 for providing additional handle for use by the user inmanually pulling the enhanced meter puller 101, and physicallymanipulating the overall structure. Brace handle 179 is formed in anoverall C-shaped structure having a pair of legs 180 which extend toalign with a corresponding pair of handle apertures 182 defined byshield 162 and particularly positioned such that a corresponding pair ofhandle bolts 198 extend therethrough to secure brace handle 179 toshield 162, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 18. As such, brace handle 179extends upwardly away from second side 170 of shield 162. Thus, the userenjoys both handle 124 as provided by meter puller 103, as well as bracehandle 179 as provided by enhanced meter puller 101 for use in manuallymanipulating the overall structure of enhanced meter puller 101,particularly when clamping system 135 is clamped onto a meter.

It is a primary feature of the present invention that a user of enhancedmeter puller 101 may actuate clamping system 135 from behind therelative safety of second side 170 of shield 162. Thus, the physicalmanipulation of enhanced meter puller 101, as well as the actuation ofclamping system 135 may be done entirely behind shield 162. Pursuant tothis, shield 162 defines aperture 175 which is positioned purposely toalign an actuation device 169 with cam arm 137, as shown in FIG. 14. Asshown in FIG. 12, actuation device 169 includes a first portion 171 anda second portion 173. As shown in FIG. 14, first portion 171 is sizedand shaped to be extended through aperture 175 and disposed proximatecam arm 137. As shown in FIG. 13, a bracket 196 is provided to pivotallysecure first portion 171 of actuation device 169 to cam arm 137. Bracket196 includes a receiving sleeve for receiving first portion 171 ofactuation device 169 therein. Bracket 196 further includes a pivotelement 199 for allowing receiving sleeve 197 to pivot while firstportion 171 is secured therein. A shaft 194 extends from pivot element199 and receiving sleeve 197, and is sized and shaped to extend throughaperture 146 defined by cam arm 137 (FIG. 11). Thereafter, nut 148 oralternatively, an additional nut is secured to shaft 194 to firmlysecure shaft 194 and the overall bracket 196 onto cam arm 137 in apivotable manner. As shown in FIG. 14, second portion 173 of actuationdevice 169 thereafter extends through aperture 175 and outwardly awayfrom second side 170 of shield 162 such that an actuation handle 177 maybe applied thereon. In accordance with the pivoting nature of cam arm137 and overall clamping system 135, the user may thereafter push andpull actuation handle 177 to move cam arm 137 between the first position(FIG. 19) and the second position (FIG. 18). Aperture 175 is sized toallow a reasonably tight fit around actuation device 169 such that thepushing and pulling on handle 177 generally in a linear nature towardsand away from shield 162. One will readily recognize that manuallymanipulating handle 177 in a linear manner corresponds to manuallymanipulating cam arm 137 in a linear manner. However, manipulatingactuation handle 177 is done from a safe position behind shield 162,thereby drastically reducing the chance that a user will be harmed by anexplosion or an electrical discharge from the meter while the meter isbeing removed. This represents an enormous leap in the field in terms ofsafety as well as efficiency, as it will be readily understood thatshield 162 may be retroactively applied to preexisting off-the-shelfmeter pullers 103. Thus, the overall expense of providing the user withimproved safety is relatively minor.

The overall size of shield 162 may differ, however, in the preferredembodiment, the overall diameter or cross-sectional size of shield 162is preferably at least 50% larger than the overall diameter of secondend 116 of sleeve member 112. This provides the user with an extendedshielding while manually manipulating meter puller 103. Likewise, shield162 may be manufactured using any common components. However, shield 162is preferably constructed using a dielectric or insulating material suchthat electricity may be dissipated efficiently without harming the user.

A user may receive the elements for forming enhanced meter puller 101 asa kit or aftermarket addition for standard off-the-shelf meter pullers,similar to meter puller 103. Alternatively, it is within the scope ofthe invention to provide enhanced meter puller 101 in a fully assembledstate, having the shield secured onto a sleeve member for sale as asingle unit.

In operation, the user or assembler is presented with meter puller 103and the elements for assembling enhanced meter puller 101 and beginsforming enhanced meter puller 101 by abutting template 165 to topsurface 120 of sleeve member 112. This allows the user to align drillapertures 187 on template 165 with the areas on top surface 120 forforming receiving holes 185. As shown in FIG. 12, the user drillsthrough template 165 and drill apertures 187 into sleeve member 112 toform receiving holes 185 therein.

One will readily understand that the drilling is generally undertaken inthe direction of Arrow 210 to penetrate through template 165 and intosleeve member 112. Thereafter, the user then removes knob 143 from camarm 137 to expose aperture 146 for attachment with first portion 171 ofactuation device 169. Shaft 194 on bracket 196 is extended throughaperture 146 and secured therein by way of nut 148 or a similar elementsuch that actuation device 169 is pivotable to move cam arm between thefirst position and the second position as desired by the user. As shownin FIG. 15, thereafter, the user then extends shield 162 such thathandle 124 extends through aperture 195 allowing first side 168 ofshield 162 to abut top surface 120 of sleeve member 112. Inasmuch asbolt apertures 183 and receiving holes 185 are aligned, free end 192 ofbolts 181 extend through each of these openings and into the interior ofsleeve member 112, where each free end 192 is secured by any means inthe art. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 15, free end 192 is securedtherein by washer 191 and wing nut 193 threadably received thereon.Concurrent to this, second portion 193 of actuation device 169 extendsthrough aperture 175 to extend outwardly away from second side 170 ofshield 162. The user then screws or adheres actuation handle 177 ontosecond portion 173 of actuation device 169. Thereafter, the user thensecures brace handle 179 to shield 162 by way of handle bolts 198extending through handle apertures 182 and into each of the pair of legs180. Thus, enhanced meter puller 101 is shown in the fully assembledstate in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIGS. 18-20, enhanced meter puller 101 is then useable toprovide a safe method for removing a meter disposed in an electricalbox. As shown in FIG. 18, the method for removing a meter 220 from anelectrical box 230 is shown in the initial stages. Meter 220 isinterconnected with electrical box 230, and is in need of removal. Toinitiate removing meter 220, the user ensures that meter puller 103 isin the second or opened position. This requires cam arm 137 to be fullyretracted towards the user with cam bolts 151 closest to the user. Inthis orientation, lock lips 153 are in a fully opened and extendedposition with opening 118 having its largest diameter. As one canreadily ascertain from viewing FIG. 18, the user is positioned behindshield 162 such that shield 162 is intermediate the user and the meter220. The user then moves enhanced meter puller 101 in the direction ofArrow 211 to plunge meter 220 into the interior of sleeve member 112. Asshown in FIG. 19, the user then pushes actuation handle 177 towardsmeter 220 to articulate actuation device 169 such that cam arm 137 movesforward or away from the user to transition meter puller 103 into thefirst or closed position. Likewise, this movement of cam arm 137retracts lock lips 153 in the directions of Arrows 112 to lock puller103 onto meter 220. Clamping system 135 is engaged and moved by the usersafely behind shield 162. Therefore, any electrical discharge orexplosion will be deflected by shield 162 away from and around the user.

As shown in FIG. 20, after the user locks meter puller 103 onto meter220 by actuating clamping system 135 from safely behind shield 162, theuser then grasps enhanced meter puller 101 by handle 124 and bracehandle 179 to allow the user to manually manipulate and pull enhancedmeter puller 101 in the direction of Arrows 214 to thereby remove meter220 from electrical box 230. As shown in FIG. 20, in the event there isan electronic discharge or explosion 240, the user remains safely behindshield 162 and proximate second side 170 throughout the entire operationof using enhanced meter puller 101 to remove meter 220 from electricalbox 230.

Accordingly, the power meter puller with safety shield is an effective,safe, inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves all the enumeratedobjectives of the invention, provides for eliminating difficultiesencountered with prior art devices, systems, and methods, and solvesproblems and obtains new results in the art.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way ofexample, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exactdetails shown or described.

Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles of theinvention, the manner in which the power meter puller with safety shieldis constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, andthe advantageous new and useful results obtained; the new and usefulstructures, devices, elements, arrangement, parts, and combinations areset forth in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of enhancing a meter puller having a clamping system movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a shield to the meter puller; extending a first portion of an actuation device through an aperture defined by the shield; connecting the first portion of the actuation device to the clamping system; and actuating a second portion of the actuation device to move the clamping system between the clamped position and the unclamped position.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: attaching an actuation handle to the second portion of the actuation device; and actuating the actuation handle to move the clamping system between the clamped position and unclamped position.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of disposing a brace handle on the shield.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of: extending an integrated handle on the meter puller through a handle aperture defined by the shield; and allowing a user to grasp the integrated handle and the brace handle to manipulate the meter puller.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the user manipulates the meter puller on an opposite side of the shield from the meter puller.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: removing a knob from a knob portion of the clamping system; and connecting the first portion of the actuation device to the knob portion.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of connecting the knob to the second portion of the actuation device to form an actuation handle.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of extending at least one bolt through the shield and the meter puller to secure the shield to the meter puller.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: forming at least one first bolt aperture on the meter puller for receiving the at least one bolt therethrough to secure the shield to the meter puller; and forming at least one second bolt aperture on the shield for receiving the at least one bolt therethrough to secure the shield to the meter puller.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of abutting a template with the meter puller to identify where to form the at least one first bolt aperture on the meter puller. 